LED to T5

[keystoneckp]

Currently am running 2 Current IC loop 48" leds on a 75g tank, mainly softies.
Have a chance to get a new/old stock Aquatlife 6 lamp T5 HO fixture still in box unopened. I realize different lamps
will be needed, probably ATI lamps. Tank is just over a year old. Used to run halides and T12's on a 90g, but that use years ago.
Just having a hard time with the leds, I know there are better units out there, but cash is a little tight.
What are our thoughts?

 

[Liron Mishal]

Switching from leds to t5 as well.
I just can't get the color and growth as i would like to
Following

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I switched from LED only (SBReef) to an 8 bulb t5 fixture. Currently pulled the center 2 bulbs and added Orphek OR 120 in center. One blue+ and one UV. Bulb combo is 4 ati blue+ and 2 ati purple+, which I’m switching over to ati coral+ Possibly tomorrow. I couldn’t be happier! Excellent growth and colors. No shading. Primarily LPS and Zoa 80 shallow tank here.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

 

[Halal Hotdog]

I think only a minority would say LEDs grow corals as well as T5s. Hybrid is best of both worlds, but can never go wrong with T5s.

 

[A. grandis]

It will work. I always recommend ATI Sunpower though. The cooling system directed to the bulbs, that the ATI has, makes it more efficient than any other fixture in the market. They last decades.
But you just got that one, so...
You can get any ATI bulb for your Aquaticlife fixture. I just don't recommend the purple bulbs. I just think there are much better choices to fill those precious slots and give what the corals really need instead some purple haze. ;Wideyed

 

[A. grandis]

I think only a minority would say LEDs grow corals as well as T5s. Hybrid is best of both worlds, but can never go wrong with T5s.

Would be interesting to hear from you guys the differences you've noticed after changing from LEDs to t5s. I really think your experiences would help lot's of people in this forum.

 

[keystoneckp]

Have not got the fixture yet, My daughter and son inlaw helps out at the LFS and came across it stuck in a corner. Owner said they could have it for $100. Plus the new bulbs another $130. I agree there are better lights out, but for the cost?

 

[sfin52]

I switched one led to t5ho and a t5 and one led. When the led goes it will be all t5ho. Growth has increased and corals look much better

 

[A. grandis]

Have not got the fixture yet, My daughter and son inlaw helps out at the LFS and came across it stuck in a corner. Owner said they could have it for $100. Plus the new bulbs another $130. I agree there are better lights out, but for the cost?

You need to understand that you pay for what you get.
My questions to you in order to help you understand my point:
1) How many years are you planning to have that fixture running?
2) How much can you actually spend in a fixture for your system?
**I normally put in my credit card, pay slowly, and get the best**
3) How much are you wishing to get out of the wattage you will pull from your wall?
4) How many months of good spectrum do you want to have before you change those bulbs?
5) Does individual reflectors mean anything to you?
6) How reliable do you expect your fixture to be?
7) Have you searched to see if that fixture is completely safe?
All that will plays on the scale.
ATI will win the race in the short run.

BUT... the Aquaticlife will lit the bulbs and will be "OK" for a while.. maybe 3 to 5 years (?)... I had one and can tell you the difference is brutal!

Edit: Cash is tight and you have no way to get the $600.00 fixture. The difference is $500.00.
Maybe you should get that $100 fixture and upgrade to the ATI later when you can...

 

[A. grandis]

Suggestion for the ATI bulbs:
3 Blue Plus
1 true Actinic
2 Coral Plus.
Enjoy!!!
Try to place a fan towards the fixture to cool it down.
Please post pictures when you install!!
Your corals will love you so much!!!!

 

[A. grandis]

I switched one led to t5ho and a t5 and one led. When the led goes it will be all t5ho. Growth has increased and corals look much better

Any more particular observations?
What do you mean by "much better"? Please elaborate.
Thanks!

 

[sfin52]

Any more particular observations?
What do you mean by "much better"? Please elaborate.
Thanks!

So I have just soft coral. My gsp has more than doubled. I've had to frag two leathers. My first leather I fragged Is almost as big as when I fragged it. The second one I just took off three sections.

My green polyp toadstool has increased by 1/2.

All my devil's had has more than doubled as well. I haven't had this growth before.

I had 2 fluval led. One I switched for the t5. It very well I wasn't using great led. But I love my t5s. I won't go back.

I just started zoa/paly so I. Can't comment on those. But I haven't lost any.

Thanks for asking. I understand my comment should have had an explanation.

 

[A. grandis]

So I have just soft coral. My gsp has more than doubled. I've had to frag two leathers. My first leather I fragged Is almost as big as when I fragged it. The second one I just took off three sections.

My green polyp toadstool has increased by 1/2.

All my devil's had has more than doubled as well. I haven't had this growth before.

I had 2 fluval led. One I switched for the t5. It very well I wasn't using great led. But I love my t5s. I won't go back.

I just started zoa/paly so I. Can't comment on those. But I haven't lost any.

Thanks for asking. I understand my comment should have had an explanation.

Thanks very much. I'm glad you changed and the tank is doing great!

 

[A. grandis]

I think only a minority would say LEDs grow corals as well as T5s. Hybrid is best of both worlds, but can never go wrong with T5s.

Even if they come from those so called high end LEDs, like Radion or Orphek?
Anyone noticed improvements changing from those to T5s?

 

[A. grandis]

Switching from leds to t5 as well.
I just can't get the color and growth as i would like to
Following

What brand is your LED?

 

[Chewbacca]

Go for the T5’s. Better for growth with right bulbs and use the ic leds for show to bring out the look of the glowing colors of the coral IMO. That is what I do set the ic leds to the side when T5’s are running and runs leds for looks and night cycle. Good luck with your choice.

 

[dwest]

Have not got the fixture yet, My daughter and son inlaw helps out at the LFS and came across it stuck in a corner. Owner said they could have it for $100. Plus the new bulbs another $130. I agree there are better lights out, but for the cost?

I’d go for it! You’ll get great results. I would buy 3 or 4 blue plus, then some others. I have a t5 led combo with 2 blue plus and 2 coral plus.

 

[Chewbacca]

Also check out let go sales site and offer up sales site I picked up a 6 bulb 3 channel T5 for 25.00 best purchase I had made So I had to replace two connector ends. No big deal replacing the parts.

 

[Kjames]

I’d go for the T5. My limited experience growing with only LEDs (Hydra 52) has been up and down. Probably because it’s so tempting to fiddle with the output settings.

My new tank has T5 + Kessils. Bulbs are half Blue Plus and half Coral Plus. It’s young but coral growth has been smooth and consistent from the start. For LPS and softies I think the T5s alone would be more than sufficient.